Pregnancy in the workplace needn't be a bumpy ride!

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To help you, we asked some BabyCentre parents for their tips on how to cope with work and pregnancy.

Morning sickness and work

"I started taking a packed lunch to work, which I never did before. It meant that I had lots of snacks to eat all day. It also meant that I had no junk food to snack on!"
Meg

"Morning sickness is always so much worse if you have an empty stomach. I try to have lots of snacks handy at work so that I never get really hungry or sick during the day."
Cleo

"Have your desk stuffed with healthy snacks, fruit and water. I liked the occasional rich tea biscuit when I was feeling queasy, as they have such a bland taste. I also found it helpful to have hand lotion and lip balm as my skin became very dry during pregnancy. And later on in pregnancy, keep some antacids handy."
Megan

"Ginger biscuits are a life-saver when you have morning sickness at work. I nibble them throughout the day to help prevent nausea."
Lisa

"Take water with you everywhere, I found that it really helped when I started feeling sick. Keep taking small sips whenever you start feeling queasy."
Fran

Announcing your pregnancy at work

"I work in a very small team, so I told everyone at work that I was pregnant straight away. I did this because my job involves a lot of heavy lifting, and I also wanted to have the support of my colleagues during the early days. They have all been great and I haven't had to lift a box in weeks!"
Laura

"I found telling colleagues and my boss about my pregnancy really easy. Everyone was very happy for me. But if you don't want to tell anyone early on, then you don't have to. When you do come to tell your boss, do it face-to-face and follow up in writing."
Sonielia

"Tell those who need to know as soon as possible and learn to accept help if you need it."
Vicky

"I didn't tell my boss about my pregnancy until after my 12-week scan. But if you have a job that involves heavy lifting or other risks, I would tell your employer as soon as possible."
Georgia

Taking a break

"Take a break when you need one. I worked in a busy fast-food restaurant up until eight months of pregnancy and the customers didn't mind when I wasn't able to move as quickly."
Jo

"I cut hair for a living and customers get annoyed when I have to sit down and take a break between appointments. However, you have to do what is best for you and your baby."
Susan

"Don't be afraid to say that you need a rest or ask for a different task if what you're doing is too challenging."
Alex

"Taking it easy is the best way. I couldn't force my body to do much, so I would tell my boss and he would let me rest or take time off."
Abigail

"Pregnancy has really affected my ability to concentrate, which is a bit of a problem when my job involves writing and reviewing! I just keep taking regular breaks, which helps to keep my mind on track."
Chris

"Try not to get too stressed over anything; your baby is the most important thing. It's really hard to do, but you have to keep trying!"
Kerri

Commuting while you're pregnant

"Commuting on a bus to work every day was a bit of a nightmare, but once I got a bump people would offer me their seats when it was busy. If you can't sit down, and no one offers, be brave and ask! You have a right to a seat when you have got a baby on board."
Cherry

"I have to commute on the train every day and most people pretend to ignore my bump and don't offer me a seat. I was really embarrassed about asking people to move at first, but it got easier each time I did it. It was worth it to be able to sit down!"
Clarice

"If your job allows it, it is worth asking if you can work from home a couple of days a week. Commuting five days a week while you are pregnant and feeling sick can be really exhausting."
Sharon

"If you really don't feel up to going in to work, don't be afraid to call in sick. You know if your body can't cope with a day at work."
Lily

Last reviewed: January 2014

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